Hong Kong Police Action Blockbuster COLD WAR 2 Tops Local Box Office

The highly anticipated police action sequel COLD WAR 2 opens in local cinemas to phenomenal success, grossing over S$794,236 in just three days over the opening weekend and across 37 screens, and achieving the No. 1 spot at the local box office. Released on Friday 8 July, COLD WAR 2 has performed exceptionally amidst strong competition from major Hollywood blockbusters such as ALICE IN WONDERLAND: THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS, which was released two days before COLD WAR 2 on 6 July, FINDING DORY, INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE, ICE AGE: COLLISION COURSE, THE LEGEND OF TARZAN, NOW YOU SEE ME 2, and CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE.

The sequel’s three-day box office performance has more than doubled that of COLD WAR’s opening weekend performance. In addition, it is drawing close to surpassing the first film’s total box office result of S$920,000. COLD WAR 2 also performed extraordinarily in Hong Kong on opening day (8 July), earning over HKD$5.4 million at the box office and breaking the opening day record of Stephen Chow’s THE MERMAID.

COLD WAR 2 saw many sold-out halls islandwide in Singapore since its release, and the film has garnered rave audience reviews all around. Some of the online commentary includes that the film is “exciting, action-packed, and full of suspense”, “will have you glued to your seat every step of the show”, and that they are looking forward to the next COLD WAR film. On 5 July, top Asian stars Chow Yun Fat, Aaron Kwok, and Eddie Peng visited Singapore for the COLD WAR 2 Singapore Star Tour to the delight of media and fans. The trio created waves in the local entertainment news scene last week during the film’s press conference and gala premiere, and now the film’s superb box office performance will be yet another headliner. Managing Director of Encore Films, Joyce Lee, said: “We’re thrilled to see such excellent box office results for COLD WAR 2 in just three days, considering that the film opened a day later than the usual in Singapore, and, furthermore, amidst such a powerful line-up of Hollywood blockbusters. Such box office performance is unprecedented for Asian films in Singapore, and we believe that COLD WAR 2 will continue to perform strongly in the weeks to come—even exceeding our initial estimate of S$1.5 million. As of now, the sequel’s performance has already surpassed that of the first COLD WAR film by leaps and bounds. With the positive audience feedback we’ve been receiving for COLD WAR 2, we’re targeting to hit S$2 million at the box office. Similar to the first film, COLD WAR 2 has a great storyline and production as well as a stellar cast, all which play a huge role in its success amongst audiences. We hope that everyone can continue to support COLD WAR 2 in cinemas.”

“Cold War”, the codename for the rescue operation of the five kidnapped police officers, is deemed a partial success. Despite the political outcry, the risky rescue led by Acting Police Commissioner Sean Lau (Aaron Kwok 郭富城) gains him promotion to the highest rank in the police force, yet causes Deputy Police Commissioner M.B. Lee (Tony Leung Ka Fai 梁家辉) his reputable career. Joe Lee (Eddie Peng 彭于晏), son of M.B. and the sole suspect of the kidnapping, is captured and taken into custody. The case remains an unsolved mystery, and Sean is hell-bent on uncovering the details. Sean’s family gets in crossfire, forcing him to make the toughest decision of his life: exchange Joe’s freedom for his family’s safety. With his career now on the line, Sean faces an impeachment proceeding that includes Oswald Kan (Chow Yun Fat 周润发), an influential senior counsel and independent member of the judicial council. He becomes the key figure in determining Sean’s fate, and it is unknown whether he is friend or foe. Sean’s adversaries within the police force, in an attempt to bring down his career, are desperate to get Oswald on their side. With enemies moving from the street and into the political arena, the real kingpin, who’s been lurking in the dark all along, is slowly bringing his master plan into play.

COLD WAR 2 is now showing in cinemas islandwide. COLD WAR 2 is co-distributed by Encore Films and Golden Village Pictures in Singapore.